It was heartbreak for the University of Birmingham Netball seconds in the Munrow on Wednesday afternoon as despite a late comeback they were edged out by a Nottingham Trent side who won their second game in a row. In an enthralling match the lead was exchanged on regular occasions and at one point in the final quarter Birmingham held a one point lead however some late missed shots proved costly as Nottingham’s clinical attackers sealed the game for the visitors.
Birmingham began on the front foot and raced into an early 9-0 lead, eager to prove that last week’s defeat was only a blip, clearly shocking their opponents who had no early answer to their hosts, who attacked with pace and precision. However they did eventually settle down, cutting Birmingham’s lead to seven points at the end of the first quarter at 15-8.
It’s been a superb start for the @UOBNetball 2s vs Notts Trent. Moves such as this one mean they lead 15-8 after the 1st Q! #BUCS @UBSport pic.twitter.com/hmnvAJnfar
— BurnFM Sport (@BurnFM_Sport) October 19, 2016
The second quarter was a far different affair. The early points were exchanged as Birmingham retained their lead at 20-13, though half-way through the quarter the Nottingham side sprang into life quickly overturning the deficit through some clinical shooting and some rather suspect Birmingham defending. They equalised at 22 all before taking a 26-23 lead into the half-time break and you could sense that the complexion of the match had changed quickly.
Birmingham knew that the third quarter would be vital in determining the outcome of the match and although they could have faded after a difficult second quarter, they stood toe to toe with their opponents in a very even quarter that did very little in giving an indication of who would come out on top. Points were regularly exchanged showing just how closely matched these teams were. Birmingham still had it all to do at 38-34.
It was in the final quarter that you really saw the Birmingham side’s resilience. They came out fighting early on and slowly but surely clawed their way back towards their opponents, showing some of the spirit that was evident in their promotion winning season last year. The game was levelled up at 42 all and Birmingham even led with only three minutes to go. It was not to be as some crucial late missed shots cost the Lions and ultimately mean they go on looking for their first win of the season.
